The bill introduces a new section, 44-7-10.4, to the General Laws specifically for the town of East Greenwich regarding the non-issuance and renewal of licenses or permits. It establishes that no license or permit required for business operations will be issued or renewed to any applicant who is in arrears for local taxes, liens, or assessments unless the applicant has timely appealed the matter to a court of competent jurisdiction.

Additionally, the bill prohibits the issuance of demolition or building permits for new construction or the renovation or alteration of existing structures if the property owner is in arrears for any real property tax, lien, or other town assessment on the real property in question. This prohibition does not apply to construction that serves to abate a pending notice of violation issued by the town or its officials.

Applicants for any license or permit must provide verification from the property tax or assessment collection agency of the town that all local taxes, liens, and assessments are paid to date. The licensing or permitting authority has the discretion to issue a license or permit if the applicant has entered an approved repayment plan for the tax arrearage and is current on payments pursuant to that plan. This act will take effect upon passage.